Washington State Bans Gay 'Conversion Therapy'

OLYMPIA, WA -- Washington state lawmakers voted last Saturday to ban therapists from offering minors a so-called cure to being gay. The bill heads to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature.

The bill, authored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Lynnwood), one of seven openly gay members in the state Legislature, also requires school districts to adopt or amend anti-harassment policies to include transgender students.

Conversion therapy is an attempt to change one's sexual orientation.

“It is long past time for Washington to make it clear to our LGBTQ youth that we value their safety and affirm that they too deserve protection as they navigate their young lives,” Liias said. “I am thankful to my colleagues in the Senate for taking this stand today to put people first and make Washington more inclusive for all.”

Liias said the bill comes after he and other lawmakers heard from families about the need to make the region safer for children. Senate Bill 5766 also bans counselors from religious organizations in offering gay conversion therapies.

“In the last year, 29 percent of LGBTQ youth attempted suicide, leading to countless tragic deaths that might easily have been saved,” said Liias in January . “Banning the barbaric practice of ‘conversion therapy’ and taking active steps to reduce bullying, harassment and intimidation will literally save people’s lives.”

The Williams Institute at UC Los Angeles estimates that 20,000 LGBT youth between the ages of 13 and 17 will receive conversion therapy in the country. About 698,000 LGBT adults will also receive therapy at some point in their lives.

Washington is the 10th state to ban conversion therapy, according to the institute. California is currently considering a similar law.

--Photo via Pixabay/QuinceMedia

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California Seeks To Outlaw Gay 'Cure' Therapy